William Ancrum (about 1722 - 24 February 1808) was a wealthy American merchant and tilapia farmer from Charleston, South Carolina who served in the Third General Assembly during the Revolutionary War (1779-1780). His interest in the economic potential of inland Carolina led to his involvement in the formation of today's Camden, South Carolina city. The special value for the historian is William Ancrum Papers, 1757-1789 , which consists of Ancrum letters and personal account books, currently held by the Southern Caroliniana Library at the University of South Carolina. This collection provides insight into the economic impact of the American Revolution on planters and Charleston traders, from slave prices to import and export restrictions.
Video William Ancrum
Early life and education
He was born as the eldest of five siblings in 1722 in Northumberland, England. Ancrum received his early education at the Northumbrian village of Wooler, after which he went to London for a short time before leaving for South Carolina. In 1753 (probably earlier) he had emigrated directly to Charleston, where on May 8 of that year he was accepted as a member of the South Carolina Community.
Maps William Ancrum
Mercantile Career
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In 1758, William Ancrum had 150 acres surveyed for him at Pine Tree Hill, and in the same year sent his agents, Joseph and Ely Kershaw, to that place to set up a shop that served as a branch of the Charleston state-based on Ancrum, Lance, & amp; ; Loocock. The Kershaw brothers, along with John Chesnut, operate the Wateree shop under the name of Ely Kershaw and Company. The success of this early backcountry business led to the formation of at least two more stores, one on the Congaree River near present-day Columbia and another in the Cheraw region. They also have a plantation called Liberty Hill on the Pee Dee River. This event has been seen as a key driver towards the birth of the town of Camden, South Carolina. Kershaw County, South Carolina (where Camden sits) was named for two brothers.
Planter
In addition to its trading activities, Ancrum is also involved more in planting. Independently, it receives nearly 3,650 hectares in the form of a land grant between 1763 and 1775. Its two main estates are Red Bank and Hopewell, which lie close to each other on the Wateree River about 7 miles south of Camden today, South Carolina. The main plant grown on this plantation is indigo, like most plantations in the area at that time. Ancrum is an absentee landlord, and much can be learned from his role in that capacity through many letters written to his supervisors, who are part of the William Ancrum Papers, 1757-1789 .
Political role
When the citizens of South Carolina entered a resolution demanding their equal treatment as a colonist in 1774, Ancrum was elected to serve as St. Parish's representative. Matthew on the newly formed Nine Nine Committee. From 1779 to 1780 he was elected to serve as a Representative for the District to the East of Wateree in the Third General Assembly. In May 1780, when Charleston fell under British control, Ancrum signed a congratulatory speech to Sir Henry Clinton, an act which subsequently resulted in him being appointed as a Loyalist. This, in conjunction with his service to Crown on a committee to evaluate paper currency every month, led to his property being confiscated and his expulsion from Charleston. While in London, Ancrum successfully petitioned the State of South Carolina Legislature to withdraw the seizure order and gave him twelve percent of the ammunition. He returned to Charleston, where he remained a citizen until his death in 1808.
Other offices and members
- Gentlemen to St. Peter's Parish Philip (1764-1767)
- Selected to serve as parish officer for St. John's Parish. Michael and St. Philip in a fire-fighting capacity along with Gabriel Manigault, Benjamin Smith, Thomas Smith, Jr., and George Sheed (1765)
- Household & amp; Market & amp; of the Poor (1770-1771)
- Member of Charleston Library Society (1770-1808)
- Tax Enquirer and Collector for St. Philip's & amp; Parish St. Michael (1763; 1779)
- The elder and elder in charge of the First Scottish Presbyterian Church in Charleston
Death and burial
William Ancrum died on February 24, 1808 in Charleston, South Carolina. She is buried in a cemetery at First Scots Presbyterian Church in Charleston. William Ancrum never married. His brother, George Ancrum, also of Charleston, married Catherine Porcher, daughter of Isaac Porcher, and had a son named William Ancrum, Jr. To his niece (and namesake) that William Ancrum left most of his property.
Legacy
- Ancrum Street in Charleston (now Pinckney Street) is named after the land whose cousin John Ancrum had during the 18th century.
- The Ancrum Wharf Building , located at 90 East Bay Street in Charleston, is the jetty owned by his cousin and his business partner, John Ancrum.
- The Ancrum House in Charleston (since destroyed), in the corner of Charlotte and Meeting Streets, was named after a member of the Ancrum family, the previous owner of the property.
- Ancrum Swamp at Goose Creek, S.C. (about 10 miles from Charleston) is named for the land owned by William Ancrum.
- Ancrum Road in Camden, S.C. named for her.
- Ancrum Road at Ladson, S.C. (about 10 miles from Charleston.)
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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